Bonsai

6.8easy start · #15 of 38
in Architecture Software

Free to practise onyes
Free trialnot on record
Well documentedyes
Runs where you workyes

Runs on Linux, Mac, Windows.

Bonsai is ranked #15 of 38 in architecture software on The Geeks Club. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. There is a free plan.

Bonsai plans and pricing

All plans

Bonsai Free Free software forever · open source · Studio and Viewer bonsaibim.org · 3 Oct 2026

Compared on architecture software

Free plan: Yes
IFC support: Yes

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The record

Product: Bonsai is a family of open source apps for authoring, reviewing, and sharing IFC models.
Open formats: Bonsai reads and writes native IFC and says it has no proprietary formats or lock-in.
Studio: Bonsai Studio is a free, open source IFC authoring platform built on Blender.
Authoring features: Studio supports modeling, documentation, coordination, and BIM data management across disciplines.
Drawings and reports: Studio can generate and annotate linked 2D drawings and produce schedules and reports from model data.
Viewer: Bonsai Viewer is a free desktop app for reviewing IFC models, drawings, and data without the authoring environment.
Coordination: Viewer supports model search and filtering, clash detection, BCF issue management, and federation of multiple models.
Cloud sync: Viewer lists cloud sync for models and issues to support team review and collaboration.
Integrations: Studio is built on Blender and powered by IfcOpenShell; its workflows include Python scripting and an API.
Additional workflows: Studio describes structural analysis solver connections, MEP systems, 4D scheduling, 5D cost estimation, and COBie facility management data.
Supported systems: Studio and Viewer list Windows, macOS, and Linux support.
Maturity: The Studio page labels the software alpha.
Support: The documentation directs users to live chat, community forums, and GitHub bug reports for help.
Web app status: Bonsai Web is described as coming soon for viewing and sharing IFC models from a browser.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on The Geeks Club

Best Architecture Software in 2026#15 of 38
Best Architectural Design Software in 2026#11 of 31
Best BIM Software in 2026#12 of 29

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Sources

bonsaibim.org· checked 3 Oct 2026
bonsaibim.org/studio.html· checked 3 Oct 2026
bonsaibim.org/viewer.html· checked 3 Oct 2026
docs.bonsaibim.org/studio/· checked 3 Oct 2026